AI to help keep track of students’ progress

MUSCAT: In a recent study published in Smart Learning Environments (SLE), researchers at Al Buraimi University College (BUC) have found an ingenious way to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help students excel in their studies.

Led by principal investigator Dr. Ijaz Muhammad Khan, an IT Instructor at BUC, the research project titled “An artificial intelligence approach to monitor student performance and devise preventive measures” looked into the application of AI in the education sector.

The study explored how AI could lend a hand in keeping track of students’ progress and offering timely support when needed.

Dr. Khan explained that for teachers, keeping tabs on every student’s academic journey could be a challenge, but with AI, it could become more manageable.

Drawing on a rich dataset from Al Buraimi University College, the study employed various AI machine learning classifiers to analyse student performance patterns and identify key predictive features for early intervention.

Remarkably, the specific type of AI programme called a ‘Decision Trees’ emerged as the most effective model, surpassing other algorithms like k-Nearest Neighbours, Artificial Neural Networks, and Naive Bayes in accuracy and efficiency. Decision Trees excelled at pinpointing which students might benefit most from additional support.

According to Dr. Khan, indicators like consistent class attendance, strong grades, and performance on major exams were key factors in predicting when a student might be in need of help. Armed with this knowledge, teachers can intervene early to provide the necessary support before students fall behind.

Dr. Khan and his team envision that by leveraging AI in this capacity, educators can enhance their ability to nurture student success.

They believe that integrating AI technology into education holds the promise of improving learning outcomes and fostering a more supportive learning environment for all students. 

The research identified attendance, CGPA, and midterm exam grades as pivotal indicators for forecasting academic outcomes, enabling instructors to work out interventions tailored to individual student’s needs. Dr. Khan emphasised the significance of these findings in revolutionising educational practices, and believes that AI can serve as a cornerstone for driving innovation and enhancing learning outcomes across diverse educational settings.

Crucially, the study underscores the importance of interpretable and actionable models, facilitating instructors’ ability to identify and support underperforming students proactively.

By integrating AI-driven insights into educational strategies, the research team aims to empower instructors with timely interventions that optimise student success.

Collaborating alongside Dr. Ijaz Khan in this pioneering endeavour were researchers Dr. Abdul Rahim Ahmad, Dr. Nafaa Jabeur, and Dr. Mohammed Najah Mahdi. Their collective efforts represented a significant stride towards harnessing the potential of AI to transform education and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

With a commitment to ongoing innovation and collaboration, the researchers at Al Buraimi University College are poised to lead the charge towards a future where AI-driven solutions unlock new possibilities for educational excellence.